HP introduces color iPods for spring

Hewlett-Packard got its iPods back in tune on Tuesday, introducing color screen models that match Apple Computer's current line.

HP is offering a 30GB photo iPod for $349 and a 60GB version for $449, matching the prices Apple charges for the same models. HP said it will continue to sell its 20GB black-and-white screen model for $299, again keeping it in the same position as Apple.

The company had pledged last month to update its iPod line, which had become out of step as Apple introduced cheaper, photo-capable models. Analysts had been calling on HP to get up-to-date or risk losing the value of its iPod reseller arrangement.

In January, then-CEO Carly Fiorina had said that HP planned to introduce an HP-branded iPod Photo. However, months went by without an announcement, prompting criticism from analysts.

"HP's iPod sales are likely to decline markedly over the next few quarters unless HP is able to bring out new iPod models in a more timely manner," Goldman Sachs analyst David Bailey said in a March research note. Bailey also expressed worry that HP has focused on white iPods, as opposed to the "faster-growing iPod Mini and iPod Shuffle segments."

The company has been trying to do more to play up its association with the iPod. The company added a spot on the top of its latest Media Center PC to hold an iPod and dock. The company also touts its line of "tattoos," or printable covers for the iPod, as well as the ability to print photos from Windows-formatted iPods using HP's portable Photosmart 375 printers.

An HP representative said the color screen iPods will be available at its Web site in about a week and in stores shortly thereafter.

[kolding]

Why???

Would somebody, please, explain to me, as a consumer, what the value add of HP is to the iPod? It's labeled as the "Apple iPod from HP", not even an HP iPod. It has no additional features, and it doesn't cost any less. iTunes is still exactly the same, and still connects to the Apple music store, not the HP music store. HP hasn't done anything to this except stick an HP sticker on the box. Was this what Carly meant by "Invent"?

Why would I buy one from HP when I could get the exact same thing from Apple at the exact same cost? And I could get it months earlier from Apple. Is there something I'm missing here?

[Greg Sparkman]

Check on Support

I believe the support for HP branded iPod is through HP. For
many that already use HP, this may add a comfort level. HP may
also have a different warranty or support policy than Apple; not
sure.

I Completely Agree

Well, the article here sure makes it sound different and wonderful, but when you start to break things down, I 'd have to say you are dead on.

There's no difference and there really is no reason to buy an HP iPod over an Apple iPod. Plus, like you said, you can get your iPod earlier with Apple since it will take a little longer for HP to copy it and sell their identical version.

However, I do like HP's idea about the iPod ?tattoos?. That seems pretty cool to me.

The portable photo printer sounds neat too, but really... Who's going to carry a printer around with them just in case they want to print their iPod photos?

Apple iPod vs. HP iPod... http://allwaysmusic.modblog.com/

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[Llib Setag]

iPod HD Format is why

iPods work on Macs & PCs. BUT, if you buy an Apple iPod from Apple, the HD is formatted for Macs. If you sync it with Windows version of iTunes it will instruct you that the HD must be RE-formatted to run with Windows, do you want to do this now? Y?/N?

If you buy an Apple iPod from HP, the HD is
PRE-formatted for Windows PC usage with Windows version of iTunes...

Other than that, the service is from HP instead of Apple...